Cory Wong

Cory Wong brings his angular funk and jazz-like precision to Carlswerk Victoria in Cologne on June 28, 2026. The guitarist, composer and producer from Minneapolis is known for tight grooves, pointed riffs and a stage energy that immediately ignites. His sound links jazz technique with the directness of funk, pop and soul—rhythm-driven, melodic and always focused on the band’s interplay.

Wong first gained recognition alongside Vulfpeck and as a member of the Fearless Flyers; since then he has developed a distinct signature style that comes across especially strongly live. With his band he emphasizes precise arrangements, concise hooks, horn sections and space for collective improvisation. The guitar doesn’t lead as a soloing machine but as the engine of the groove—dry, percussive, springy.

His albums and collaborations with Jon Batiste, Chromeo, Victor Wooten, Billy Strings and Bruce Hornsby reflect this openness; on stage he condenses it into a compact set that moves between instrumental funk, fusion and pop moments. Humor, call-and-response and spontaneous shifts in dynamics are part of the show, without sacrificing the clarity of the songs.

In Cologne Wong will perform material from his most recent recordings alongside older pieces, arranged for a versatile live band. If you appreciate precise rhythm guitars, clean breaks and punchy grooves, this is the place to be.